You probably thought that the worst thing your shampoo could do to you is to burn your eyes, but it turns out that your shampoo could be deadly. The Center for Environmental Health based in Oakland, California, performed a study on shampoos and soaps and found that at least 98 included a carcinogen known as cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA).

Cocamide Diethanolamine (cocamide DEA), a controversial ingredient found in body care items, has landed four personal care manufacturers with a lawsuit in California.

The Center for Environmental Health filed the suit after discovering the presence of cocamide DEA, the foam stabilizer and volumizer, in shampoos and soaps. In the state of California, Proposition 65 requires manufacturers to warn consumers over the risks of certain substances. Cocamide DEA is on that list because it is a suspected carcinogen. It was banned in the state last year after a study found it caused cancer in laboratory animals.

Some of the products that contain high levels of the illegal chemical are sold under well-known companies such as Colgate Palmolive, Paul Mitchell, and Prell. Lab tests also found the carcinogen in children’s products, such as a store brand bubble bath from KMart, and a shampoo/conditioner from Babies R Us. Other store brand products that contain the carcinogen came from Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Kohl’s.

Unfortunately, manufacturers can put any toxic chemical they want into shampoos because the FDA allows all sorts of chemicals to be used in these products, including chemicals that are known carcinogens and that contribute to liver failure and nervous system disorders. How’s that for protecting public health?

Corporate America Doesn’t Care About Your Health

The full list of all 98 products containing the carcinogen is included below. Since the lawsuit was launched last year, only three companies have committed to reformulate their products. Those products that they claim will be reformulated without the carcinogen are highlighted below in green.

It’s very telling of corporate industry morals when the majority of brands and parent companies are aware that their products are hazardous and cause cancer yet they continue to sell them as is. I guess profit is more important to them than the health of their customers. After all, it’s safe to say that many of these CEOs and top executives have ties to Big Pharmaceutical stock, so the fact that their products make people sick is a real win-win for their bank accounts.

DIY: Here’s an Easy Homemade Natural Shampoo

1/2 cup coconut milk
2/3 cup Castile soap
10-15 drops essential oil of your choice
2 teaspoons almond oil or olive oil
Mix together all the ingredients in the bottle and shake thoroughly. Just give it a shake before you use.
Thanks to living traditionally for the recipe.

You Don’t DIY? Straight Coconut Oil Pre-Poo Followed by Dr. Bronner’s is a Great Option

If you don’t feel like making your own, buy Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap and support an incredible company who use their profit to do good in the world. (Not to mention their soap is truly amazing). They have been a lead contributor for pro GMO-labeling campaigns, use fair trade, organic ingredients, free from animal ingredients and are certified free from animal testing. Dr. Bronner’s is also a huge supporter and contributor to grassroots and lobbying efforts to re-commercialize industrial hemp.
Depending on your hair type you may want to rub a little coconut oil into your hair first and then use Dr. Bronner’s to wash it out. Note: We receive absolutely no compensation from Dr. Bronner’s, we just love them.